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Freshwater Drum

Freshwater Drum

Louisiana's only native member of the drum family to live exclusively in freshwater. Louisiana hosts healthy populations throughout the state's rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and bayous.

Scientific Name: Aplodinotus grunniens

Also known as gaspergou, sheepshead

Physical Characteristics:
  • Deep-bodied, silvery fish have a distinctive humpbacked appearance with a notched dorsal fin and extended lateral line running to their tail.
  • Adults typically weigh 5-15 pounds but can reach impressive sizes, with some specimens exceeding 30 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Throughout the state's rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and bayous.

Key Locations

  • Mississippi River, Atchafalaya Basin, Red River, Toledo Bend Reservoir, Caddo Lake, and various smaller water bodies.

Specific Spots

  • Spring fishing is productive in slow-moving pools near fast-moving channels, particularly targeting curl-backs of slow water adjacent to rock outcroppings or faster currents.
  • Summer finds them in deeper waters of rivers and lakes, though some remain in shallow, fast-moving sections.
  • Target depths of 40-60 feet in larger waters like Toledo Bend, and focus on sand/gravel bottoms.
  • Winter fishing requires deeper presentations as drum move to depths up to 60 feet where water temperatures remain stable.

Freshwater Drum FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Freshwater Drum in Louisiana?

Nightcrawlers, minnows, crawfish, shrimp, shiners, gold and silver spoons, jerk baits, crankbaits, small jigs, and crayfish imitations.

What flies work for Freshwater Drum in Louisiana?

Clouser Minnows (chartreuse/white, olive/white, brown/white), Woolly Buggers (black, olive, brown with flash), Muddler Minnows, and black stonefly nymphs.

When is the best time to fish for Freshwater Drum in Louisiana?

Peak freshwater drum fishing in Louisiana occurs during June and July. Spring fishing is productive. Summer finds them in deeper waters. Fall fishing mirrors spring techniques as drum migrate from large lakes to tributaries, feeding heavily in preparation for winter.

How do you catch Freshwater Drum in Louisiana?

Bottom fishing with nightcrawlers produces consistent results, as does bobber fishing with live bait. Fish fly patterns along bottom structure, through eddies, and around submerged trees. They respond well to moving baits near current breaks where fast water meets slower pools.

What do Freshwater Drum eat?

Opportunistic bottom feeders with powerful pharyngeal teeth designed for crushing shells. Their diet consists primarily of benthic invertebrates including crayfish, aquatic insect larvae (especially dipterans in April-May), mollusks, and zebra mussels.

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